Activities at IPCC - a partner of Visit Albuquerque - to include arts festival, expanded schedule of Cultural Native Dances, inaugural "Evenings at Avanyu" three-day event and Indigenous Peoples' Day Celebration

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Oct. 4, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is pleased to host 10 days of special events to coincide with this year's Balloon Fiesta, which began Saturday, Oct. 1 and will run through Monday, Oct. 10. Activities include IPCC's Albuquerque American Indian Arts Festival during Balloon Fiesta's opening weekend on Oct. 1 and 2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., as well as an expanded schedule of cultural dances that kicked off on Oct. 1 and runs through Monday, Oct. 10. IPCC will also host an Indigenous Peoples Day celebration on Monday, Oct. 10.

Also, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center's hot air balloon, "Eyahne On The Horizon," will take to the skies for its second Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. "We're excited to be part of the festivities during this milestone celebration of the 50th anniversary of Balloon Fiesta," said IPCC/IPMI President & CEO Mike Canfield. "This year, we're honored to take Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller and Visit Albuquerque President & CEO Tania Armenta for a ride in 'Eyahne.' We're looking forward to being in the skies over our great city during the Special Shapes Rodeo, which is always an amazing event!"

This year, IPCC is hosting a new event called "Evenings at Avanyu" on Oct. 3, Oct. 4 and Oct. 5 from 4-8 p.m. at Avanyu Plaza, located across the street from IPCC. Admission is FREE, and the event will feature cultural dances, Native artisans and farmer vendors, and S'mores-flavored cookies. There will also be appearances by Big 98.5 radio personalities and a balloon glow each night by "Eyahne On The Horizon," IPCC's hot air balloon (weather permitting). Evenings at Avanyu is presented by COMCAST.

The IPCC Albuquerque Indian Arts Festival is an authentic, all-Native American art show. This premier event will showcase the work of 45 artists and gives visitors the opportunity to meet, talk with, and shop directly from Native artists. The two-day festival also includes cultural Native dances and artist demonstrations.

Each day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., IPCC's mural-lined Courtyard will feature several Native dance performances and be filled with Native artists selling their handcrafted art and jewelry. Guests can also shop for authentic Native art at the Indian Pueblo Store, and are also invited to experience immersive exhibits and learn about Pueblo history and culture. In addition, visitors can dine at IPCC's acclaimed Indigenous restaurant, Indian Pueblo Kitchen; or at IPCC's newest neighborhood eatery, 12th Street Tavern, located across the street at Avanyu Plaza.

IPCC's museum exhibits include the permanent exhibit "We Are of This Place: The Pueblo Story" and temporary exhibits "PIVOT: Skateboard Deck Art," Shaun Beyale's (Diné) "Testament of Empowerment," Deanna Autumn Leaf Suazo's (Taos/Navajo) "Traditional Girl with a Contemporary Pop."

"We love welcoming guests from near and far during this beautiful time in New Mexico," said IPCC/IPMI COO Monique Fragua. "It gives us an opportunity to showcase our celebrated Pueblo hospitality, and our campus will be bustling with festivities."

IPCC is also proud to present cultural Native dances on Balloon Fiesta's Main Street Stage at Balloon Fiesta Park, including the Cellicion Traditional Dancers on Sunday, Oct. 2 (Balloon Glow night), from 8-9 p.m. and the Sky City Buffalo Ram Dancers on Thursday, Oct. 6 (Special Shapes Rodeo day), from 9-10 a.m.

The IPCC's hot air balloon, "Eyahne On The Horizon," made its maiden voyage in Albuquerque in September 2020 and serves as a proud ambassador for IPCC. "Eyahne" means "blessings" in the Keres Native American language, and the unique balloon features a distinctive, Pueblo-inspired design that symbolizes the sacred beliefs and culture of the Pueblo peoples of New Mexico. IPCC's balloon is a partnership with Rainbow Ryders, the Southwest's premier hot air balloon company. In honor of the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico, Rainbow Ryders chose the N-Number "N19NM" when registering the aircraft with the FAA.

"Eyahne On The Horizon" was made in Ann Arbor, Michigan, by Cameron Balloons, the world's largest balloon manufacturer. The balloon is 275,000 cubic feet in size, measures 86 feet tall, 68 feet wide at the equator, and is capable of lifting 6,000 pounds, or 12 to 14 passengers, plus the pilot. It is one of the largest ride balloons in New Mexico.

Immediately following Balloon Fiesta week on Monday, Oct. 10, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., New Mexico's Native American tribes will gather with civic officials and the public at IPCC to celebrate New Mexico's statewide Indigenous Peoples' Day. This event is open to all and will include dignitaries, Native dances, a historical presentation, and artist demonstrations. Admission is free for IPCC members and Native Americans, or included with museum admission. Traditional regalia is encouraged for tribal members.

For a full schedule of events, visit https://indianpueblo.org/events.

The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is located at 2401 12th Street NW, just north of I-40 in Albuquerque. Admission to the IPCC Albuquerque American Indian Arts Festival and Balloon Fiesta week's special cultural events is free for IPCC members or included with museum admission.

About the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center:
Founded in 1976 by the 19 Pueblo tribes of New Mexico, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is a world-class museum and cultural center located in the historic 19 Pueblos District. The Mission of the IPCC Campus is to serve as a gathering place where Pueblo culture is celebrated through creative and cultural experiences while providing economic opportunities to Pueblo and local communities. Visitors can learn fascinating history, shop for Native jewelry and art, watch a cultural dance, hear Native languages and experience the flavors of traditional and contemporary Native cuisine. To learn more, please visit: http://www.indianpueblo.org and https://www.facebook.com/indianpueblo.

About Indian Pueblos Marketing, Inc.
Indian Pueblos Marketing, Inc. (also founded by the 19 Pueblo tribes of New Mexico) includes a variety of commercial enterprises designed to support the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and provide economic opportunities to the Pueblo and local communities. IPMI is a for-profit umbrella that includes an acclaimed Indigenous restaurant, Indian Pueblo Kitchen; Indian Pueblo Store, a premier Native American arts store and website; 12th Street Tavern, a new neighborhood eatery at Avanyu Plaza; Four Winds convenience store; the largest Starbucks in New Mexico; the top-rated Holiday Inn Express in Albuquerque; TownePlace Suites by Marriott Albuquerque Old Town; Extra Space Storage; and more that support our Pueblo culture and communities.

Media Contact

Brenna Moore, Visit Albuquerque, 505-222-4349, moore@visitabq.org

Wende Schwingendorf, Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, 505-451-2840, wschwingendorf@indianpueblo.com

SOURCE Indian Pueblo Cultural Center